Crescentville UMC is a small church located in North Philadelphia and describes itself as “a changing church for changing times.” The congregation is a beautiful blend of cultures and generations, passionate about multigenerational ministry and equipping a new generation of disciples to be the body of Christ in the world. Over the past few months, church leadership has intentionally planned a series of events that both kindled their students’ wonder and provided opportunities for them to serve their community.
Sue Snyder is the cheerleader for the church’s ministry with young people. “We’ve always tried to incorporate younger people… There are a lot of people who are willing to help with the youth. We organize, and others help.”
They have been doing a lot of organizing. In July 2024, they planned a team-building event at Walltopia, an indoor rock-climbing gym in Glenside. In September, they planned a bike ride for the youth. In November, they went bowling.
Along the way, Sue and the leaders of CUMC have been intentionally folding in youth members at every opportunity. The youth help cook for Caring for Friends, a local organization that addresses food insecurity. In December, the group gathered to cook for Caring for Friends, and once that act of loving service was complete, they piled into cars and drove up to Carson Simpson Farm for Winterfest. Youth group members bonded with friends, both old and new, as they did crafts, drank hot chocolate, and sang carols together.
In January, students partnered with other church members to pack and deliver 2,320 pounds of donations to a local thrift store, earning the group $300. A generous church member matched the funds that the youth group raised, bringing the total to $600. Sue is hopeful that the money will help offset the cost of summer camp at Carson Simpson Farm.
It isn’t just about the activities. Crescentville is also doing the hard work of making disciples. Every Sunday, children and youth gather with committed teachers to explore how the Bible intersects with their daily lives and experiences.
They’re also raising up a new generation of leaders. They plan to sponsor one of their students, Naiima Jabati, as a Cultivate intern this summer. Naiima is a former member of the youth group and currently a student at UPenn. Sue views Cultivate as a great opportunity to develop Naiima as a leader and inspire the students toward deeper discipleship. “They all look up to her,” Sue shared.
Sue is excited about the opportunity that Cultivate provides. Crescentville will pay half of Naiima’s summer stipend, and the Board of Ordained Ministry in EPA will provide the other half. Not only will Naiima receive the opportunity to flex her leadership muscles, but she’ll also journey alongside other young people who are exploring what it means to serve God both within and outside the church. Sue is overflowing with joy. “I’m thrilled that the program exists, that she gets the chance to meet with other students and learn from them.”
It’s easy to focus our attention on the mountaintop moments of youth ministry, and those are indeed important, but equally important are the quiet interactions of everyday faithfulness that show young disciples they are seen and known, both by God and by the faith community that surrounds them. May God bless Crescentville UMC, and every congregation in EPA and beyond, as together we continue to do the hard work of nurturing young disciples.